Embracing Risk: The Courage to Share Faith

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we embarked on a unique journey, stepping away from the traditional sermon format to engage in a thought-provoking exercise. Initially, I invited everyone to imagine being sent out into the community to share the message of Jesus and heal the sick, without any personal belongings or comforts. This was a vivid illustration to help us connect with the experience of the disciples in Luke 9, where Jesus sent them out with nothing but faith and authority to proclaim the kingdom of God.

The disciples, who had been learners and companions of Jesus, were now thrust into active ministry, facing the reality that following Jesus involves risk and courage. This shift from passive learning to active participation is a powerful reminder that our faith journey is not meant to be safe or comfortable. Instead, it calls us to step out in faith, embracing the uncertainty and potential rejection that comes with sharing the gospel.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I shared stories of times when I felt most alive in my faith—moments when I stepped out of my comfort zone and said "yes" to God. Whether it was engaging with protesters at a Christian event or leading a Bible study for the first time, these experiences taught me that spiritual vitality often comes from obedience, bravery, and embracing risk.

Our culture often equates safety and comfort with success, but the gospel challenges us to see risk as an opportunity for growth and deeper reliance on God. Jesus' instructions to the disciples to go out without provisions were not about making them safer but braver, teaching them to depend on God for their mission's success.

As we consider our own lives, we are invited to pray and then act, stepping into the mission field with courage and faith. Whether it's offering prayer to a colleague or engaging in deeper conversations about faith, these small acts of bravery can open doors for God's work in our lives and the lives of others. Let us embrace the joy of being part of God's transformative work in the world, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace the Risk of Faith: Following Jesus involves stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the risks associated with sharing the gospel. This journey is not about safety but about courage and reliance on God. When we step out in faith, we experience spiritual vitality and growth. [40:28]

2. The Power of Obedience: Spiritual growth often comes from saying "yes" to God, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky. Obedience to God's call can lead to profound experiences of His presence and power in our lives. [54:43]

3. Prayer as the Foundation: Jesus begins His mission with prayer, highlighting its importance in preparing us for action. Prayer aligns our hearts with God's vision and empowers us to step into the mission field with confidence. [01:00:18]

4. Rejection is Part of the Journey: Jesus prepares His disciples for rejection, reminding us that it is a natural part of sharing the gospel. Our task is to remain faithful and continue the mission, trusting that God is at work even in the face of rejection. [01:16:39]

5. The Joy of Participation: Being part of God's mission brings joy and fulfillment. When we step out in faith and see God work through us, we experience the joy of being co-laborers with Christ in His redemptive work. [01:21:26]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:00] - Introduction to the Unique Exercise
- [00:05:00] - The Disciples' Mission in Luke 9
- [00:10:00] - Emotions of Being Sent Out
- [00:15:00] - Reading from Luke 9
- [00:20:00] - Transition from Learners to Doers
- [00:25:00] - Personal Stories of Faith and Risk
- [00:30:00] - The Role of Obedience in Spiritual Growth
- [00:35:00] - The Importance of Prayer
- [00:40:00] - Embracing Rejection
- [00:45:00] - The Joy of Being Part of God's Work
- [00:50:00] - Encouragement to Be Brave
- [00:55:00] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 9:1-6

Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to the disciples when He sent them out in Luke 9? How did these instructions emphasize reliance on God? [40:28]
2. How did the pastor illustrate the emotions the disciples might have felt when being sent out? What were some of the emotions shared by the congregation during the sermon? [37:42]
3. What was the purpose of the pastor's initial exercise of sending the congregation out without personal belongings? How did it relate to the message of the sermon? [37:42]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Jesus have chosen to send the disciples out without provisions, and how does this relate to the concept of faith and reliance on God? [40:28]
2. How does the pastor's story about engaging with protesters illustrate the sermon’s theme of stepping out in faith? What does this story suggest about the relationship between risk and spiritual vitality? [48:45]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that rejection is a natural part of sharing the gospel, and how should believers respond to it? [01:16:39]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually alive. What actions or decisions contributed to that feeling, and how can you incorporate similar actions into your current faith journey? [42:55]
2. The pastor shared a story about saying "yes" to leading a Bible study despite feeling unprepared. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? What is holding you back, and how can you overcome it? [52:07]
3. Consider the pastor's suggestion to offer prayer to others as a way to open doors for deeper conversations about faith. Who in your life could you offer to pray for this week, and how might that change your relationship with them? [01:13:49]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of prayer as a foundation for action. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to align your heart with God's vision? [01:00:18]
5. The pastor mentioned that our culture often equates safety and comfort with success. How can you challenge this mindset in your own life and embrace the risks associated with following Jesus? [54:43]
6. Reflect on the idea of being a "lamb among wolves" as described in the sermon. How can you prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally for the challenges of sharing your faith in potentially hostile environments? [01:06:26]
7. The sermon concluded with the joy of participation in God's work. How can you actively seek opportunities to be part of God's mission in your community, and what steps will you take this week to engage in this work? [01:21:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace the Adventure of Faith
Faith is not a journey of comfort and safety; it is an adventure that calls for courage and risk. In Luke 9, Jesus sends His disciples out with nothing but faith and authority, illustrating that following Him involves stepping out of our comfort zones. This act of faith is not about ensuring our safety but about embracing the unknown and trusting God to guide us. When we take these steps of faith, we experience spiritual vitality and growth, discovering a deeper reliance on God. The journey of faith is an invitation to live boldly, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. [40:28]

Luke 9:3-4 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart.'"

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a small step today to embrace this adventure with courage?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of Obedience
Obedience to God's call often leads to profound experiences of His presence and power in our lives. Saying "yes" to God, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky, is a powerful act of faith. It is through obedience that we grow spiritually and experience the fullness of God's plans for us. This journey of obedience is not always easy, but it is rewarding as it aligns us with God's will and opens us to His transformative work. When we trust and obey, we find ourselves in situations where God's power is evident, and our faith is strengthened. [54:43]

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt God prompting you to act. Did you respond in obedience? How can you prepare your heart to say "yes" to God the next time He calls?


Day 3: Prayer as the Catalyst for Action
Prayer is the foundation that prepares us for action. It aligns our hearts with God's vision and empowers us to step into the mission field with confidence. Jesus began His mission with prayer, highlighting its importance in our spiritual journey. Through prayer, we gain clarity, strength, and the courage to act on God's call. It is in these moments of communion with God that we are equipped to face the challenges ahead, knowing that we are not alone. Prayer is not just a preparation but a catalyst that propels us into action, enabling us to fulfill God's purposes. [01:00:18]

Colossians 4:2-3 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to prepare for the opportunities God places before you? What specific area of your life needs to be bathed in prayer today?


Day 4: Embracing Rejection as Part of the Mission
Rejection is a natural part of sharing the gospel, and Jesus prepared His disciples for this reality. Our task is to remain faithful and continue the mission, trusting that God is at work even in the face of rejection. When we share our faith, we may encounter resistance or indifference, but these experiences are opportunities to deepen our reliance on God. Embracing rejection with grace and perseverance allows us to grow in our faith and witness God's power in unexpected ways. It is through these challenges that we learn to trust in God's plan and remain steadfast in our mission. [01:16:39]

2 Timothy 4:2-4 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions."

Reflection: How do you typically respond to rejection when sharing your faith? What steps can you take to remain faithful and trust in God's work, even when faced with resistance?


Day 5: The Joy of Co-Laboring with Christ
Being part of God's mission brings joy and fulfillment. When we step out in faith and see God work through us, we experience the joy of being co-laborers with Christ in His redemptive work. This joy is not dependent on the outcome but on the privilege of participating in God's transformative work in the world. As we engage in acts of faith, we witness the impact of God's love and grace in the lives of others and in our own hearts. The journey of faith is a joyful adventure, filled with opportunities to see God's hand at work and to celebrate His goodness. [01:21:26]

1 Corinthians 3:9 (ESV): "For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience where you felt the joy of participating in God's work. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and joy as you continue to serve and co-labor with Christ?

Quotes

"Instead of a sermon, I'm going to pair you all off, and we are going to hit the streets telling people about Jesus and healing sicknesses and just whatever's going on in their lives. So you're going to get an address here. It's going to have the name of a partner and an address where you're going to meet them. And we've got about two hours. All the addresses are Milpitas or North San Jose. We'll meet back here at 1230. A couple rules before. Before we go, don't take your wallets or your cell phones. Don't pack a lunch. Someone there is going to, I'm sure, feed you. Eat whatever they offer you. Even if it's too spicy, we don't want to offend the people we're trying to reach." [00:34:13] (39 seconds)


"When Jesus had called the twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases. And he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And he told them, take nothing for your journey. No staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave the town. If the people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against the Lord. And so they set out and they went from village to village proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere." [00:38:47] (54 seconds)


"But now they were sent out on mission, and I think this is the moment the disciples discovered that following Jesus might be dangerous. It might be scary. It might involve risk. He says, all right, guys, go on out and fight Satan in the lives of the people around you. Teach them. Care for them. Heal them. Win them over for God. Let them know with your words and actions that the reigning power of God, which is the kingdom of God, the kingdom of God, is the kingdom of God. The reigning, active power of God has come to earth. It's drawn near. It is available to them." [00:40:50] (50 seconds)


"And on your way, you don't get to take any food or clothes or monies or supplies or any kind of protection, and you will be rejected at some points. So what was that moment like for the disciples when suddenly their job, their description changed? We can think all kinds of negative emotions, the same ones that we would feel. Fear, inadequacy. I'm not ready, Lord. I'm not enough. What if I say the wrong thing? What if I embarrass you? They'd feel discomfort. They'll feel anger. This is not what I signed up for when I decided to be a disciple." [00:41:42] (49 seconds)


"I want to posit to you that you might be bored because you are safe. David last week showed us the requirements that we need for sleep, and among those were safety and comfort. When those qualities are present, when we're safe, when we're comfortable, it makes it possible for us to relax and to fall asleep. As he was preaching on that story of Mary and Martha, he points out rightly there's times for us to relax, to relax into the presence of Jesus, to find rest there, to find deep relational connection and peace with Christ." [00:43:40] (45 seconds)


"And a partner scripture with this, this scripture which we see just immediately preceding that, we learn that there's also times in which it's necessary, not appropriate to sleep, in which times in which Jesus sends us into danger, to risk, to adventure in his name. Times when we're called upon to do battle with the devil in the name of Jesus. Can you remember a time in which you were doing that and you felt your blood pumping through your veins?" [00:44:25] (35 seconds)


"Now, here's the thing in our culture. Our culture teaches us that risk is always bad. That safety and comfort is always good. I feel like this is what ruined children's playground equipment in America. Right? When some of us were younger, the slides were a lot taller. But is this true? Is risk always bad? Is safety and comfort always good? I think when risk shows up, a lot of good things happen. We pray more. We see God show up. We get the thrill of being part of the story." [00:55:11] (48 seconds)


"Consider every movie, every good movie that you've ever loved watching, every book you've ever really been just totally engaged in. them, there was some kind of a struggle. And someone being brave in the context of that struggle, maybe there was a villain to defeat. Maybe there's just something of their own life. They had to overcome some kind of overbearing parent, or they had a tough circumstance, or they had self -doubt. Something they had to overcome and be brave. And as humans, we love to watch people be brave." [00:55:56] (39 seconds)


"Jesus calls you into mission with him. And he will be with you. I can only say from my own experience that when I was a child, I was a Christian. But when I have been bravest in my walk with Christ, I have felt him nearest. And we certainly see that at the end of Matthew in the Great Commission. He sends us out in mission. He sends us out in pairs, in teams. It's too hard to go alone. It's too hard with burnout. We lose steam. We lose focus. They go in pairs." [01:13:43] (45 seconds)


"Could you ask a Christian friend to pray with you and join you in some way? Could you join with a friend and say, hey, could we collectively pray for these other people? Could we collectively try to bless these other people in some way? It doesn't need to be spectacular. It doesn't need to be glorious. It just needs to be brave and purposeful." [01:14:35] (26 seconds)


"Lord, we just thank you for your word. We thank you for your movement. We thank you for what you're doing. Lord, we're scared. We're nervous. But we just pray you'd help us somehow, some way to be brave and to get that joy of serving with you. In Jesus' name, amen." [01:21:35] (19 seconds)


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Transcript
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